Amanda Manjarrez's Blog
I think Ezra Klein has a pretty straightforward summation of the current Israel/Gaza crisis.
Who Started It?
Who Started It?
So, I was in DC for the first time at Trinity College to attend an event called Rootscamp. For those of you who are unfamiliar with the event, basically, it's a large scale conference based on the open space model of social networking and self organizing. There aren't any pre-set agendas, but only a wall for everyone to advertise room sessions they would like to facilitate and people are allowed to wander in and out of sessions as they so choose. It sounds interesting doesn't it? Well…it definitely is.
Participants ranged from the founder of Van to a plethora of Obama campaign workers. Other very interesting participants I've came across included members from online organizations, advocates, policy analysts, media gurus and even members of organized labor. The brain power and skill capacity that was present at RootscampDC from across the country was astounding!
Anyhow, the day began in a church, or the only room on campus that was big enough to house the close to 500 people that attended. After introductions, those who planned to initiate sessions were called to the front to announce their ideas. Ideas ranged from online organizing, a discussion on traditional volunteerism, irony in politics, Prop 8 issues, music merchandising to identify volunteers, experimentation, twitter service, etc. Read More »
Participants ranged from the founder of Van to a plethora of Obama campaign workers. Other very interesting participants I've came across included members from online organizations, advocates, policy analysts, media gurus and even members of organized labor. The brain power and skill capacity that was present at RootscampDC from across the country was astounding!
Anyhow, the day began in a church, or the only room on campus that was big enough to house the close to 500 people that attended. After introductions, those who planned to initiate sessions were called to the front to announce their ideas. Ideas ranged from online organizing, a discussion on traditional volunteerism, irony in politics, Prop 8 issues, music merchandising to identify volunteers, experimentation, twitter service, etc. Read More »
As the election craze winds down and we all start to take a breath and look at the new turn our country is taking, it can be pretty difficult to settle with complete optimism. A major issue that we still face is the growing unemployment rate our nation is facing.
As of October, it was reported at 6.5% but is projected to rise up to 8% in the next year. People are losing jobs, layoffs are rampant across industries, and for most underemployment is another major concern as it stands at a rate of 11.8%, its highest in 14 years according to the Economic Policy Institute.
What does this tell us?
We are not struggling with a nation unwilling to work, but a workforce with diminishing prospects and opportunities. Over 1.2 million jobs have been lost this year and that number will continue to grow as our economy continues struggle unless bold and smart decisions are made by our new leaders. There are many ideas on the table but the most promising is to move our country in the direction of green jobs and a new green economy.
Green jobs could take many forms including solar panel installation, building retrofitting, manufacturing, recycling, etc, with the ultimate aim of energy conservation and sustainability. In the face of high unemployment rates and a bad market economy it seems that our best bet would be to put people to work to rebuild our infrastructure to match it with the challenges of the 21st century, including climate change.
Just to give an example, over 49,000 construction workers have lost their jobs in the past year while at least 157, 000 manufacturing jobs have been lost or sent overseas. It would not only be in our best interest due to the fact that most green jobs can't be outsourced but also it would be a reasonable investment that is inherently designed to ultimately pay for itself.
Also, more importantly there is the social justice aspect or responsibility of making sure that we are creating good paying career-path jobs to be sure that people are able to support themselves and their families.
If I've learned anything from the current economic turmoil it's that almost everything in our country seems to run on investments, so isn't it time we start making the right ones?
As of October, it was reported at 6.5% but is projected to rise up to 8% in the next year. People are losing jobs, layoffs are rampant across industries, and for most underemployment is another major concern as it stands at a rate of 11.8%, its highest in 14 years according to the Economic Policy Institute.
What does this tell us?
We are not struggling with a nation unwilling to work, but a workforce with diminishing prospects and opportunities. Over 1.2 million jobs have been lost this year and that number will continue to grow as our economy continues struggle unless bold and smart decisions are made by our new leaders. There are many ideas on the table but the most promising is to move our country in the direction of green jobs and a new green economy.
Green jobs could take many forms including solar panel installation, building retrofitting, manufacturing, recycling, etc, with the ultimate aim of energy conservation and sustainability. In the face of high unemployment rates and a bad market economy it seems that our best bet would be to put people to work to rebuild our infrastructure to match it with the challenges of the 21st century, including climate change.
Just to give an example, over 49,000 construction workers have lost their jobs in the past year while at least 157, 000 manufacturing jobs have been lost or sent overseas. It would not only be in our best interest due to the fact that most green jobs can't be outsourced but also it would be a reasonable investment that is inherently designed to ultimately pay for itself.
Also, more importantly there is the social justice aspect or responsibility of making sure that we are creating good paying career-path jobs to be sure that people are able to support themselves and their families.
If I've learned anything from the current economic turmoil it's that almost everything in our country seems to run on investments, so isn't it time we start making the right ones?
On October 31st, members of New Mexico Youth Organized will hit the Burque streets for a massive nonpartisan Get Out the Vote drive called "Trick or Vote." The costumed force of about 200 young people will meet at Lower Johnson Field on the UNM campus at 5pm and fan out in neighborhoods across the city on Halloween to remind people to vote on November 4th.
Check this out to learn more.
Check this out to learn more.
So we moved on to day two of our DNC trip and we left our hotel for the thick of events a little smarter than we were the day before. First thing on the list…trade in hours of walking for bike transportation. Luckily, a program called freewheelinwaytogo by Humana and Bikes Belong had stations set up around the downtown area where people could get a free bike for the day, helmet and lock included! I was really impressed with the program myself and loved the fact that so many people at the event were taking advantage of it. It was pretty common to see bikes with the trademark F logo roaming the streets in every direction. They even went so far as to organize scheduled, themed bike rides throughout the day.
After an amazing breakfast and a quaint little restaurant called the Delectable Egg (I highly recommend it) we set out for the array of events that were taking place on Wednesday afternoon. I decided that my next move would be to head out on my bike to the Rage Against The Machine show. It was a good distance away from the central area of events downtown but definitely gave me a chance to get a better sense of Denver. At one point on my journey, as I was about to cross the street, I was abruptly stopped by a stern man in a suit. My first thought was that this was just another ridiculous gesture by the really overstocked security forces downtown, but then it happened. A motor brigade swooped by and next thing I know Barack Obama is in his car about 5 feet in front of me waving at people on the sidewalk. I'm pretty sure we made eye contact and I have to admit I was a little star struck in that moment.
After my brief encounter, I gave up on my journey across town and decided to ride around while I had the transportation and take in the sights of people and events that were taking place. I became more and more impressed with the scale and amount of Obama guerrilla art that I came across in even some of the most obscure places (sidewalks, buildings, alleys, etc). It was like the city had been taken over. Cyrus and I kept running into each other so we finally decided to head to the Rock the Vote concert event where we made our way into the VIP room, of course. Afterwards, we made our way to the MoveOn.org concert and the Bus Party, which turned out to be a great ending to our fun and awesome experience. The Bus party was impressive in so many respects, besides having good décor, walls for graffiti art, henna tattooing, and just good people in general; the actual performances were powered by bicycles that were being ridden by alternating volunteers! It was a great way to have fun and really promote involvement.
Overall, I'd say that the DNC was a great experience and I had a great time myself. The only concern that I'd like to put out there is that the DNC overall did come across as being very exclusive, which is probably not the best way to stir excitement or to promote general engagement among the people. We weren't able to get into the actual convention, of course, considering that the perimeter was a long distance from the Pepsi Center. However, special credentials weren't only needed to get into the Pepsi center but also a multitude of events taking place in the area. As I mentioned before, Cyrus and I were lucky enough to be able to maneuver our way into some exclusive areas, but I doubt that most of the people who travelled to experience the event were as lucky as we were. In the future I would hope that more public events could be available or even have a viewing section for those who want to feel like they are really a part of the Democratic Party and not just a one day voter.
After an amazing breakfast and a quaint little restaurant called the Delectable Egg (I highly recommend it) we set out for the array of events that were taking place on Wednesday afternoon. I decided that my next move would be to head out on my bike to the Rage Against The Machine show. It was a good distance away from the central area of events downtown but definitely gave me a chance to get a better sense of Denver. At one point on my journey, as I was about to cross the street, I was abruptly stopped by a stern man in a suit. My first thought was that this was just another ridiculous gesture by the really overstocked security forces downtown, but then it happened. A motor brigade swooped by and next thing I know Barack Obama is in his car about 5 feet in front of me waving at people on the sidewalk. I'm pretty sure we made eye contact and I have to admit I was a little star struck in that moment.
After my brief encounter, I gave up on my journey across town and decided to ride around while I had the transportation and take in the sights of people and events that were taking place. I became more and more impressed with the scale and amount of Obama guerrilla art that I came across in even some of the most obscure places (sidewalks, buildings, alleys, etc). It was like the city had been taken over. Cyrus and I kept running into each other so we finally decided to head to the Rock the Vote concert event where we made our way into the VIP room, of course. Afterwards, we made our way to the MoveOn.org concert and the Bus Party, which turned out to be a great ending to our fun and awesome experience. The Bus party was impressive in so many respects, besides having good décor, walls for graffiti art, henna tattooing, and just good people in general; the actual performances were powered by bicycles that were being ridden by alternating volunteers! It was a great way to have fun and really promote involvement.
Overall, I'd say that the DNC was a great experience and I had a great time myself. The only concern that I'd like to put out there is that the DNC overall did come across as being very exclusive, which is probably not the best way to stir excitement or to promote general engagement among the people. We weren't able to get into the actual convention, of course, considering that the perimeter was a long distance from the Pepsi Center. However, special credentials weren't only needed to get into the Pepsi center but also a multitude of events taking place in the area. As I mentioned before, Cyrus and I were lucky enough to be able to maneuver our way into some exclusive areas, but I doubt that most of the people who travelled to experience the event were as lucky as we were. In the future I would hope that more public events could be available or even have a viewing section for those who want to feel like they are really a part of the Democratic Party and not just a one day voter.
DENVER - Well, Cyrus and I are here at the Democratic National Convention 2008 basically on a mission to schmooze and represent NMYO. It seems like everyone, including ourselves, is commuting at least an hour each way to and from their hotels to the center of the DNC madness downtown. So our day began by sharing transportation with a mass of delegates, bigwigs with lanyards, and the other DNC groupies like ourselves. The light rail can probably best be described as the "lounge" of the DNC.
The first day was sporadic and interesting to say the least. It became clear to us that our mission of the day was to get lanyards and/or credentials for ourselves if we were going to get into some of the insider events going on and get the real story. Our first stop, however, was the Trick or Vote Happy Hour that was taking place at the David Cook Fine Art Gallery. We made our appearance and everyone was very welcoming and glad that NMYO was able to make it. The party was pretty awesome as well. Good food, good drinks, costumed folks, monsters, etc. made it an excellent schmooze-fest to say the least. We also decided, at this point, that an evidence bag was going to be necessary for this trip.
After leaving the party and heading back into the crowds we heard that an art installation involving a hummer explosion was going to be happening. Our new mission became to find this brilliant spectacle. On the way we managed to make our way into a few private events, from the convention center to a solar party, by using our powers of persuasion, diversion, and assimilation… By the end of it we only had one security encounter, which ended in our favor.
Finally, we found the hummer except that the rumors proved false. It wasn't going to be blown up but was actually used by an artist as a prop to project the stories of homeless veterans on the side wall of the performance arts center downtown. We sat in the grass with the artist and projection team and enjoyed the show.
Our next attempts to get into private events weren't as successful, so after hours of walking we decided that it was probably time to call it a night. But! Before we got on the light rail to head back to the hotel we stopped at a subway across the street for a late night snack. Low and behold, a glossy, fancy lanyard credential that must have been lost somehow was sitting behind the counter. Our eyes lit up and the employees didn't hesitate to give it to Cyrus. Jackpot! Our mission was accomplished. For day two…bikes will be necessary.
The first day was sporadic and interesting to say the least. It became clear to us that our mission of the day was to get lanyards and/or credentials for ourselves if we were going to get into some of the insider events going on and get the real story. Our first stop, however, was the Trick or Vote Happy Hour that was taking place at the David Cook Fine Art Gallery. We made our appearance and everyone was very welcoming and glad that NMYO was able to make it. The party was pretty awesome as well. Good food, good drinks, costumed folks, monsters, etc. made it an excellent schmooze-fest to say the least. We also decided, at this point, that an evidence bag was going to be necessary for this trip.
After leaving the party and heading back into the crowds we heard that an art installation involving a hummer explosion was going to be happening. Our new mission became to find this brilliant spectacle. On the way we managed to make our way into a few private events, from the convention center to a solar party, by using our powers of persuasion, diversion, and assimilation… By the end of it we only had one security encounter, which ended in our favor.
Finally, we found the hummer except that the rumors proved false. It wasn't going to be blown up but was actually used by an artist as a prop to project the stories of homeless veterans on the side wall of the performance arts center downtown. We sat in the grass with the artist and projection team and enjoyed the show.
Our next attempts to get into private events weren't as successful, so after hours of walking we decided that it was probably time to call it a night. But! Before we got on the light rail to head back to the hotel we stopped at a subway across the street for a late night snack. Low and behold, a glossy, fancy lanyard credential that must have been lost somehow was sitting behind the counter. Our eyes lit up and the employees didn't hesitate to give it to Cyrus. Jackpot! Our mission was accomplished. For day two…bikes will be necessary.
Recently, there have been articles regarding the BLM, Bureau of Land Management, and their dismissal of environmental groups' concerns when it comes to new oil and gas leases being distributed here in New Mexico.
In April, forty-three new land leases for oil and gas operations were sold by the BLM as protests were made by environmental groups (including the Western Environmental Law Center, and Wild Earth Guardians.) The groups were requesting that the BLM prepare environmental impact statements on the proposed oil and gas leases that take green house gas emissions and contributions to global warming into consideration. A consideration that isn't as far-fetched as the BLM might claim considering that in 2001 the Secretary of Interior instilled a requirement for climate change analysis to take place before granting access to federal lands.
Although the sales were initially postponed due to the controversy, the BLM recently rejected the protests and continued with the sale. Their primary argument against the protesting groups was that "they already work with the industries to limit emissions by limiting flaring and venting of natural gas during drilling and production." However, they continue by claiming that "the real issue is worldwide demand and use of fossil fuels" and that these leases "will have no significant impact on regional and global greenhouse gas emission levels."
According to a study in 2000, oil and gas represented 23% of emissions from New Mexico, which is the second largest source of greenhouse gas emissions from this state. Therefore, to try to divert attention from the facts and claim that the cumulative effort of oil and gas drilling projects in New Mexico aren't going to have a significant impact on climate change is absolutely unfounded. The BLM doesn't appear to be taking a look at the bigger picture.
While there have been repeated concerns about the BLM being severely understaffed, it seems suspicious that they would choose to focus much of the resources they do have on processing these (APDs) or permits to drill. During a time when climate change has become a major concern for many and a new push for renewable energy is emerging, people have begun to make individual efforts including recycling, conserving, changing light bulbs, etc. Therefore, the BLM appears to be a little out of touch when they use this "I can't be held accountable" mentality and don't take the time to adequately assess the environmental impacts of the major polluter projects they are permitting.
Well, I suppose we have to consider whose interests are at stake here.
"It's bizarre, but loopholes in federal laws allow groups to make these types of complaints," said Bob Gallagher, president of the New Mexico Oil and Gas Association. "These actions force officials to do detailed analyses and that can hold things up indefinitely. The BLM is extremely understaffed. If we require them to do these studies, it slows everything down to a crawl."
My only question to the BLM is...What's the rush?
Link:
NM Business Weekly
Albuquerque Journal
In April, forty-three new land leases for oil and gas operations were sold by the BLM as protests were made by environmental groups (including the Western Environmental Law Center, and Wild Earth Guardians.) The groups were requesting that the BLM prepare environmental impact statements on the proposed oil and gas leases that take green house gas emissions and contributions to global warming into consideration. A consideration that isn't as far-fetched as the BLM might claim considering that in 2001 the Secretary of Interior instilled a requirement for climate change analysis to take place before granting access to federal lands.
Although the sales were initially postponed due to the controversy, the BLM recently rejected the protests and continued with the sale. Their primary argument against the protesting groups was that "they already work with the industries to limit emissions by limiting flaring and venting of natural gas during drilling and production." However, they continue by claiming that "the real issue is worldwide demand and use of fossil fuels" and that these leases "will have no significant impact on regional and global greenhouse gas emission levels."
According to a study in 2000, oil and gas represented 23% of emissions from New Mexico, which is the second largest source of greenhouse gas emissions from this state. Therefore, to try to divert attention from the facts and claim that the cumulative effort of oil and gas drilling projects in New Mexico aren't going to have a significant impact on climate change is absolutely unfounded. The BLM doesn't appear to be taking a look at the bigger picture.
While there have been repeated concerns about the BLM being severely understaffed, it seems suspicious that they would choose to focus much of the resources they do have on processing these (APDs) or permits to drill. During a time when climate change has become a major concern for many and a new push for renewable energy is emerging, people have begun to make individual efforts including recycling, conserving, changing light bulbs, etc. Therefore, the BLM appears to be a little out of touch when they use this "I can't be held accountable" mentality and don't take the time to adequately assess the environmental impacts of the major polluter projects they are permitting.
Well, I suppose we have to consider whose interests are at stake here.
"It's bizarre, but loopholes in federal laws allow groups to make these types of complaints," said Bob Gallagher, president of the New Mexico Oil and Gas Association. "These actions force officials to do detailed analyses and that can hold things up indefinitely. The BLM is extremely understaffed. If we require them to do these studies, it slows everything down to a crawl."
My only question to the BLM is...What's the rush?
Link:
NM Business Weekly
Albuquerque Journal
In light of the recent no-bid oil contracts that were given to five major United States oil companies, including Exxon Mobil, Total, Shell, BP, Chevron and other small western oil companies it's hard not to question whether oil has been the major cause of the Iraq war all along. Since the beginning, this administration has offered multiple excuses for this war, which have left the public wondering.
Wait, weren't Osama Bin Laden and other members responsible for 9/11 in Afghanistan?
Wait, Iraq doesn't have weapons of mass destruction?
Wait, now our mission is to fight terrorism and spread democracy?
It can all be very confusing, but when one reaches to the heart of the controversy the answer becomes clear. Iraq has one of the richest oil supplies in the world and one that western companies have been shut off from for decades. As news breaks that private and expedient deals are being made between western oil companies and an unstable Iraqi government, an already hostile world is starting to speculate on American intentions. Also, the fact that the US State Department, which is also advising the Iraqi government and oil ministry, not only supports the contracts but helped draw them up makes us here at home question our government's motives as well.
At this point, Iraq's oil law is still pending in parliament and everyone, including other nations, who have been waiting in line for years are being pushed aside. With skyrocketing oil prices, it all seems too convenient that these U.S. oil companies that are already achieving record profits would be given the first foot in the door to Iraq's oil supply before the country has established any sort of comprehensive guidelines on how to distribute the resources. But, as Bush prepares to leave office it seems like he may be trying to do what he can to secure Iraq oil for his oil buddies and allies, all I can say to that is surprise, surprise.
Wait, weren't Osama Bin Laden and other members responsible for 9/11 in Afghanistan?
Wait, Iraq doesn't have weapons of mass destruction?
Wait, now our mission is to fight terrorism and spread democracy?
It can all be very confusing, but when one reaches to the heart of the controversy the answer becomes clear. Iraq has one of the richest oil supplies in the world and one that western companies have been shut off from for decades. As news breaks that private and expedient deals are being made between western oil companies and an unstable Iraqi government, an already hostile world is starting to speculate on American intentions. Also, the fact that the US State Department, which is also advising the Iraqi government and oil ministry, not only supports the contracts but helped draw them up makes us here at home question our government's motives as well.
At this point, Iraq's oil law is still pending in parliament and everyone, including other nations, who have been waiting in line for years are being pushed aside. With skyrocketing oil prices, it all seems too convenient that these U.S. oil companies that are already achieving record profits would be given the first foot in the door to Iraq's oil supply before the country has established any sort of comprehensive guidelines on how to distribute the resources. But, as Bush prepares to leave office it seems like he may be trying to do what he can to secure Iraq oil for his oil buddies and allies, all I can say to that is surprise, surprise.
The New Mexico State Cultural Properties Review Committee recently made a highly controversial decision to temporarily designate Mt. Taylor as a Traditional Cultural Property. This decision gives the five nominating tribes (Acoma, Laguna, Hopi, Zuni, and the Navajo Nation) exactly one year to back up their claims of its sacred nature.
I attended the public meeting, which took place Saturday, June 14 in the Grants High School Gymnasium. It was here that NM State Cultural Properties Review Committee heard two emotionally charged sides of this complex story. Oddly enough, both sides had segregated themselves to the point where one would have assumed that this battle was pre-planned and seats had been assigned.
On one side of the gym you had ranchers, private property owners, and others representing mining interests. The majority happened to be white and Hispanic, and was wearing green stickers that said "It's Our Mountain Too." Tribal representatives, natives, and other advocates who were there to support the cause made up the other half of the gym. The council sat between the two ready to hear their testimonies.
As the tribal leaders spoke and introduced themselves one by one in their native tongues I remember feeling extremely nervous that someone from the other side was going to make a rude or inappropriate comment. As it was, the hint of groans and a sense of impatience emanated from the opposing side and filled the room.
The tribes mainly addressed how the sacredness of Mt. Taylor was related to their unique cultures in such a way that their livelihoods actually depended on its continued existence. They expressed quiet dignity as they spoke not only about how the mountain affected them, but how it was important to preserve it for everyone's benefit.
After a brief intermission, the floor was opened to the public and people were allowed their time to speak at the podium. It was at this point that the real underlying questions and concerns that brought this designation to the floor in the first place finally came out... Read More »
I attended the public meeting, which took place Saturday, June 14 in the Grants High School Gymnasium. It was here that NM State Cultural Properties Review Committee heard two emotionally charged sides of this complex story. Oddly enough, both sides had segregated themselves to the point where one would have assumed that this battle was pre-planned and seats had been assigned.
On one side of the gym you had ranchers, private property owners, and others representing mining interests. The majority happened to be white and Hispanic, and was wearing green stickers that said "It's Our Mountain Too." Tribal representatives, natives, and other advocates who were there to support the cause made up the other half of the gym. The council sat between the two ready to hear their testimonies.
As the tribal leaders spoke and introduced themselves one by one in their native tongues I remember feeling extremely nervous that someone from the other side was going to make a rude or inappropriate comment. As it was, the hint of groans and a sense of impatience emanated from the opposing side and filled the room.
The tribes mainly addressed how the sacredness of Mt. Taylor was related to their unique cultures in such a way that their livelihoods actually depended on its continued existence. They expressed quiet dignity as they spoke not only about how the mountain affected them, but how it was important to preserve it for everyone's benefit.
After a brief intermission, the floor was opened to the public and people were allowed their time to speak at the podium. It was at this point that the real underlying questions and concerns that brought this designation to the floor in the first place finally came out... Read More »
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